AMSTERDAM – As part of the WorldPride 2026 program, COC Amsterdam's Shakespeare Club will present a photo exhibition titled 'Here, We Are – Here, We Stay,' which documents the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals who have sought refuge in the Netherlands. The exhibition will be held at the H'ART Museum from July 22 to July 31, 2026.
The collection features the work of photographer Maksim Gutsu and comprises twenty portraits, each accompanied by a personal testimony. The exhibition is structured in two parts: ten previously published portraits, which were created to convey a sense of shadow and invisibility, are displayed alongside ten new portraits. According to the organizers, these new images are intentionally photographed in daylight to symbolize freedom, visibility, and the establishment of a new home.
Through these visual narratives, the project aims to explore themes of resilience and hope. It also serves as a reflection on the 25th anniversary of marriage equality in the Netherlands, contextualizing the country's role as a safe haven for those fleeing persecution based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
The Shakespeare Club, a group within COC Amsterdam e.o. that supports LGBTQ+ refugees, is organizing the event to highlight these often-unheard stories within the community, especially during the international focus of WorldPride.
Event Details
- What: Photo Exhibition: 'Here, We Are – Here, We Stay'
- Where: H'ART Museum, Amstel 51, 1018 EJ Amsterdam
- Dates: Wednesday, 22 July – Friday, 31 July 2026
- Time: 10:00 – 17:00 daily
- Official Opening: Saturday, 25 July 2026, from 13:00 to 14:00
- Organizer: The Shakespeare Club of COC Amsterdam e.o.
- Accessibility: The venue is listed as wheelchair accessible and equipped with an accessible restroom.
Further information about the work of COC Amsterdam and the Shakespeare Club can be found on their official website.
